Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus could simultaneously transmit other viruses -- ScienceDaily according to : sciencedaily

More recently, coinfections of Zika and Dengue viruses, Zika and chikungunya, and all three viruses have been reported during various outbreaks, including the recent outbreak of Zika virus in North and South America. Last year, however, concerns about the virus skyrocketed following the link between Zika virus infection with microcephaly in Brazil. Concerns about Zika virus were also heightened following news that the virus could be transmitted sexually in addition to being spread by mosquitoes. Dengue and chikungunya virus symptoms are similar to an infection with Zika virus, and can also include joint and bone pain, nose or gum bleeding and bruising. One, two, three viruses in one mosquitoChikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses are transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which live in tropical, subtropical, and in some temperate climates.




"We identified a small molecule that inhibits the Zika virus protease, and show that it blocks viral propagation in human cells and in mice," Terskikh says. The screening process identified three promising compounds, which were then tested for their ability to prevent Zika infection of human brain cells. The Zika virus has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization, a rare designation indicating that a coordinated global response is needed. "Microcephaly is likely just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the potential adverse effects of maternal Zika infection," comments Terskikh. Having a way to treat the infection could help stop Zika from spreading and prevent its sometimes devastating effects."

Costs of Zika virus in America could run into the billions

The Zika virus stands to cost the United States billions of dollars, even if few people are infected. In addition, poverty in the region contributes, through factors like poor housing and environmental degradation that can boost to mosquito numbers and Infection rates. Infection rates in Puerto Rico for the similar chikungunya virus also exceed 10 percent. Data like these, along with many of the remaining questions about Zika's health effects, reinforce the notion that "we don't know more than we do know," Hotez said. This surprised many researchers, Hotez said.


collected by :Lucy William
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